Valley Yarns Patagonia Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Patagonia Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Patagonia is a seamless, cropped cardigan designed by Julie Turjoman that combines casual, classic style with modern construction techniques. This cardigan features a slightly cocoon-shaped silhouette with an open front, making it an ideal first sweater project for knitters. The design is suitable for 3-season wear and is available in sizes ranging from XS to 4XL, with finished bust measurements from 34¼ inches to 62¼ inches (accounting for overlapped front bands).

Key Design Features

• Lantern sleeves: Distinctive sleeve shaping that adds visual interest to the otherwise clean-lined design
• Cropped length: A shorter cut that contributes to the casual, contemporary aesthetic
• Cocoon shape: Gentle shaping that provides a comfortable, relaxed fit
• Open front cardigan: Classic button-band styling for versatile layering
• Rib-stitch front bands: Knit along with the body for seamless integration

Knitting Techniques Used

The Patagonia cardigan employs several advanced-beginner knitting techniques that create its nearly seamless construction. The sweater is worked in the round from the bottom up, beginning with ribbed hems and continuing through the stockinette stitch body. This method eliminates the need for seaming the body pieces together, resulting in a cleaner, more professional finish.

The construction begins with two separate sleeves that are worked individually using the Old Norwegian cast-on method. These sleeves are then joined to the body at the base of the yoke, where raglan decrease shaping is applied to create the yoke structure and shape the neckline. The rib-stitch front bands are knit along with the body rather than added afterward, further contributing to the seamless quality. Finally, collar stitches are picked up around the neck and worked in K1/P1 rib for a finished neckband.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch: The primary stitch for the body and sleeves, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• Rib stitch (K1/P1): Used for the hem, cuffs, front bands, and collar for elasticity and structure
• Purl rounds: Worked at the base of the sleeves for textural detail
• Increase rounds (M1): Used to shape the lantern sleeves
• Decrease rounds: Applied in the yoke for raglan shaping

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Patagonia cardigan is designed to showcase Valley Yarns Berkshire Bulky, a luxurious blend of 85% wool and 15% alpaca that provides both softness and durability. Each skein contains 100 grams and yields 108 yards of yarn. The pattern requires 6 to 12 skeins depending on size, with the smallest sizes (XS and S) requiring 6 skeins and the largest size (4XL) requiring 12 skeins. The sample shown was knit in color 30 - Cerulean, a blue shade that highlights the yarn's luscious palette.

Needles and Tools

The pattern calls for US size 10 (6.0 mm) circular needles in 16–24 inch and 40–60 inch lengths, plus double-pointed needles for the main fabric. US size 9 (5.5 mm) circular needles and double-pointed needles are used for the neckband and cuffs to create a tighter rib. Additional materials include stitch markers, stitch holders or scrap yarn for holding stitches, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 12 stitches and 20 rows equaling 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger needles when blocked. The cardigan is designed to fit with 4 to 6 inches of positive ease, providing a comfortable, relaxed fit that accommodates layering. This generous ease contributes to the casual, coc